Rahm takes big lead to Spanish Open finale

Spaniard Jon Rahm will take a big five-shot lead into the final round of the Open de Espana. Credit: EPA

Home favourite Jon Rahm will take a five-shot lead into the final round of the Open de Espana after a remarkable back nine of 28 on day three in Madrid.

The defending champion was two shots off the lead at the turn after back-to-back bogeys in the Spanish capital on Saturday, but carded five birdies and a hole-out eagle on his way back to the clubhouse to sign for a 63 and sit at 17-under.

Countrymen Rafa Cabrera Bello and Samuel Del Val were his closest challengers at Club de Campo but they have a mountain to climb if they are to deny the world number five a third worldwide win of the season and a place at the top of the Race to Dubai standings.

"I've never teed up with such a lead," Rahm told europeantour.com.

"Every time I've teed off it's been a one-shot lead or tied for the lead so it's going to be a little bit of a different story.

"I don't know what the challenge is going to be. I have a real good chance to defend this title, I'm feeling good so hopefully I can keep doing what I've been doing.

"It's just one of those days where everything was going good for me on that back nine."

After turning in 35, some fantastic approach play coupled with an up-and-down from the sand at the par-five 14th saw Rahm birdie five of his first six holes on the back nine, before holing out from the fairway for an eagle on the par-four 16th.

World No.1413 Del Val is currently without playing rights on any major tour and he chipped in on the 16th before birdieing the last in a 69, while 2016 Ryder Cup star Cabrera Bello carded a 70.

Swede Jens Dentorp was at 11-under, with England's Steven Brown, Scot Calum Hill and Welshman Jamie Donaldson all 10 shots off the lead.

Australian Jason Scrivener is seven shots back in equal fifth after carding four birdies and a bogey for the three-under 68.

Dimi Papadatos is 10 shots off the pace after six birdies helped him shot a six-under 65, while Brett Rumford is a further shot back after sinking an eagle on the par-5 14t and four birdies for a five-under 66.

Compatriot Deyen Lawson shot one-over 72 to be 15 shots behind Rahm, while Australian Jack McLeod carded seven bogeys for a disastrous 75 that left him 17 shots off the pace.